Nearly half of Brits have been with their energy provider longer than their partner

More than 96,000 energy customers are at risk of seeing their bills rocket by around £200 this month as discounted energy deals come to an end

By Rob Goodman

14th February 2018, 11:03 am

Updated: 14th February 2018, 11:03 am

FOUR out of ten Brits have been with their energy provider longer than they have been with their current partner, according to a study.

The incredible extent to which we are loathe to change suppliers despite a plethora of offers and deals available emerged following research carried out among 2,000 adults.

Getty - Contributor

Brits have spent four years or longer with the same energy firm

The research also found 41 per cent described their relationship with their energy provider as "solid and long-term", with just eight per cent feeling on the verge of a "break up".

The study was commissioned by comparethemarket.com in light of the news that 31 energy tariffs are due to come to an end this month.

The announcement means over 96,000 customers will be hit with an average bill increase of roughly £200 – a total cost of over £19 million to the consumers affected.

Peter Earl of Comparethemarket.com, said: "Whilst some Brits might feel loved-up this week as they celebrate Valentine’s Day, these findings demonstrate people won’t put up with a partner that doesn’t understand their needs, or stay in relationships if there is a lack of trust.

How to switch suppliers and save £300

SWITCHING suppliers is the best way you can cut your energy bills. Here's what you need to do.

Shop around - If you're on an expensive Standard Variable Tariff (SVT) deal you are throwing Away up to £300 a year. Use a comparion site like to see what best deals are available to you.

The cheapest deals are usually found online and are fixed deals - meaning you'll pay a fixed amount usually for 12 months.

2. Switch - When you've found one, all you have to do is contact the new supplier.

It helps to have the following information - which you can find on your bill - to hand to give the new supplier.

Your postcode

Name of your existing supplier

Name of your existing deal and how much you pay

An up-to-date meter reading

It will then notify your current supplier and begin the switch.

It should take no longer than three weeks to complete the switch and your supply won't be interrupted in that time.

''Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for their relationship with their energy suppliers – with a number of Brits choosing to stick it out in spite of their supplier’s shortcomings.

"With more than 70 tariffs coming to an end this month and next, I’d encourage all consumers to consider the quality of the relationship and value for money with their current energy provider and to take a moment to assess whether it’s time to start afresh with a new one.”

The study also found the most common reason for breaking up with their energy supplier is a "lack of trust" and feeling as though they were "being ripped off".

Getty - Contributor

More than 30 discounted deals are coming to an end this month

The research also found Brits have typically been with their energy supplier for four years.

But one in five said they had never been in a personal relationship for longer than four years.

The most common reason for break ups with loved ones is "growing apart", followed by "infidelity".

Others have ended it for developing feelings for someone else, with over one in 10 blaming the end of their relationship on the fact that they were "going in different directions".

Interestingly, the reasons for relationship failures with energy providers weren’t too dissimilar, over half "breaking up" with their supplier because they found a better deal with someone else.

In fact, one in 10 adults have found it 'harder' to leave their energy supplier than their most recent partner.

And when looking at how people are choosing to break up with their romantic partners or energy suppliers, it is clear that the digital breakup is on the rise.

This is particularly true for the younger generations, with one in five of 18-24 year olds saying they had broken up with a partner via text or WhatsApp.

And a further one in five ending it with their partner over the phone.

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Looking at energy, it appears breaking up over the phone is the most popular method for Brits, with almost four in 10 choosing to end their provider relationship in this way.

To help consumers end their relationship with their supplier and move on to a new energy partner, comparethemarket.com has developed a step by step guide to help customers through the process of switching.

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